3 Paths to Network Convergence

Kurt Marko11/02/11

3 Paths to Network Convergence

When it comes to data center networks, the maxim "two are better than one" is being flipped on its head. After decades of divergent evolutionary tracks, technology has put data and storage networks on a collision course. While it remains to be seen if the result will be the extinction of the weaker species (Fibre Channel) or the emergence of a hybrid offspring, there are valid arguments for either outcome.

In the near term, whether organizations choose the survival of the fittest--pure Ethernet--or a hybridized co-existence--Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)—largely depends on their existing storage investments. In this report, we’ll outline the various convergence scenarios and the situations in which one is preferable to the others. (R3701111)

Survey Name InformationWeek 2012 Data Center Convergence SurveySurvey Date October 2011Region North AmericaNumber of Respondents 298 business technology professionalsPurpose To determine the state of enterprise interest in and adoption of data center convergence technologiesMethodology InformationWeek surveyed business technology decision-makers at North American companies. The survey was conducted online, and respondents were recruited via an email invitation containing an embedded link to the survey. The email invitation was sent to qualified InformationWeek subscribers.